Question: I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and I have heard that there are certain nutrition-related interventions that may help. Can you give any advice on this?
Answer: Well, I'm sorry to say that there is no official "endometriosis diet." There are not any certain vitamin/mineral/foods that should be increased or eliminated in the diet so far as the research shows in credible, peer-reviewed journals at this time. However, this may just mean that not enough research has been done on the matter. That is my official answer. However, I would like to bring to your attention two books that have been written on endometriosis and nutrition. They are both by Dian Mills (one is an updated version of the other). I am not necessarily recommending either book because I have not read them and therefore, cannot respond directly to the contents. However, her books are quite popular and, in reading reviews, many people seem to find the information helpful. I found one of her two books on Amazon (the Amazon link is on the bottom of this blog) for less than $4.00 (used), so it might be worth checking out!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Facts on Fructose
Question: I always thought that high fructose corn syrup was bad for you, but I keep seeing ads on TV that insist there is nothing wrong with it. Who do I believe? What's the real story?
Answer: For years, it was thought that high fructose corn syrup caused, or at least contributed to, obesity. Many well known physicians and "nutritionists" have been very vocal about all the reasons to avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is why you have always thought it was "bad" for you. The reason you are now seeing all the ads that suggest otherwise is because the American Medical Association (AMA) announced on June 17, 2008 that "After studying current research, the AMA today concluded that high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners..." They went on to say that "Because the composition of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that high fructose corn syrup contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose." After the AMA came out with this position in June, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) followed up in December of 2008 with the following: "No persuasive evidence supports the claim that high fructose corn syrup is a unique contributor to obesity."
Now, does that mean that high fructose corn syrup is "good" for you? No. But does it cause obesity? The research does not support that. Corn syrup frequently replaces sugar in products because it is a cheaper alternative and it helps keeps food fresh, retains moisture and helps to maintain flavor consistency. It has the same caloric content as sucrose (table sugar).
My advice: No need to avoid it completely, but just as you watch and monitor sugar in your diet, do likewise with high fructose corn syrup.
Answer: For years, it was thought that high fructose corn syrup caused, or at least contributed to, obesity. Many well known physicians and "nutritionists" have been very vocal about all the reasons to avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is why you have always thought it was "bad" for you. The reason you are now seeing all the ads that suggest otherwise is because the American Medical Association (AMA) announced on June 17, 2008 that "After studying current research, the AMA today concluded that high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners..." They went on to say that "Because the composition of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that high fructose corn syrup contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose." After the AMA came out with this position in June, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) followed up in December of 2008 with the following: "No persuasive evidence supports the claim that high fructose corn syrup is a unique contributor to obesity."
Now, does that mean that high fructose corn syrup is "good" for you? No. But does it cause obesity? The research does not support that. Corn syrup frequently replaces sugar in products because it is a cheaper alternative and it helps keeps food fresh, retains moisture and helps to maintain flavor consistency. It has the same caloric content as sucrose (table sugar).
My advice: No need to avoid it completely, but just as you watch and monitor sugar in your diet, do likewise with high fructose corn syrup.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Am I doing it Right?
Question: I'm a first time mom and I have so many questions in regards to feeding? After the 6 month mark and solids start, how do I know if I'm feeding my child enough? or too much? What if he consistently refuses vegetables? Meal time is always a battle and not enjoyable for either of us. Do you have any recommendations?
Answer: Yes! Go to your local library and check out the book Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. Last I checked, it was also available on Amazon for less than $12. Even as a dietitian myself, I found this book extremely helpful and resourceful in feeding my own children. If you take nothing else away from this book, take away these two things and your life (and that of your child) will be MUCH easier and happier -- I promise!
1.) It is your responsibility as the parent/caretaker to determine the what, where and when. In other words, you determine what the child eats, where he/she eats it and when he/she eats it (consistent meal and snack times are important for children). But your child is responsible for the how much and if. In other words, allow them to eat as much as they want or as little as they want. This also means, they have the right to refuse it. You, as the parent don't replace their food if they refuse it. And you as the parent do not stress out if they ate more than you thought they should or not as much as you wanted them too. Those two things are the child's responsibility!
2.) The reason why you don't need to stress over the how much and if is because children are amazing regulators. Unless they have a disease or physical ailment of some kind that distorts eating/digestion, infants and toddlers inately know how much to eat and their bodies, whether big or small, are just right for them.
Answer: Yes! Go to your local library and check out the book Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. Last I checked, it was also available on Amazon for less than $12. Even as a dietitian myself, I found this book extremely helpful and resourceful in feeding my own children. If you take nothing else away from this book, take away these two things and your life (and that of your child) will be MUCH easier and happier -- I promise!
1.) It is your responsibility as the parent/caretaker to determine the what, where and when. In other words, you determine what the child eats, where he/she eats it and when he/she eats it (consistent meal and snack times are important for children). But your child is responsible for the how much and if. In other words, allow them to eat as much as they want or as little as they want. This also means, they have the right to refuse it. You, as the parent don't replace their food if they refuse it. And you as the parent do not stress out if they ate more than you thought they should or not as much as you wanted them too. Those two things are the child's responsibility!
2.) The reason why you don't need to stress over the how much and if is because children are amazing regulators. Unless they have a disease or physical ailment of some kind that distorts eating/digestion, infants and toddlers inately know how much to eat and their bodies, whether big or small, are just right for them.
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
Editor's Note: Have you been to the gym yet in 2009? If so, you have likely found it bursting at the seems filled with people determined to get a good start on their New Year's Resolution -- to exercise more, eat better, eat less, weigh less, build muscle, etc. We all seem to have the health of our bodies on our mind during this time of resolutions. I think that is great! Unfortunately, however, a good number of us start to peter out after the first couple of months and by the end of the year, we've stopped exercising, weigh the same (or more) and find ourselves eating one last piece of chocolate cake before starting all over again with the same resolution the next year.
Make this year different! Be REALISTIC in setting your goals. Take the time to sit down and truely reflect on what you really want in terms of body image and overall health. Find out what motivates you. Consider what is enjoyable to you. Think about what time of day is easiest/best for you to exercise. Do you have limitations? If so, think about what you can do to increase your physical activity despite those limitations? If you need suggestions, ask me! Finally, don't feel overwhelmed. Did you know that the American Heart Association suggests that we exercise 30 minutes MOST days of the week and even states that the 30 minutes does not have to be consecutive to get the health benefits of exercise? In other words, if you take a couple of days off a week, cut yourself some slack! If you only have time to walk for 15 minutes in the morning -- do it! And then try to squeeze in 15 minutes more over your lunch break. Good luck in 2009! May this be a healthy and happy year for all of you!
Make this year different! Be REALISTIC in setting your goals. Take the time to sit down and truely reflect on what you really want in terms of body image and overall health. Find out what motivates you. Consider what is enjoyable to you. Think about what time of day is easiest/best for you to exercise. Do you have limitations? If so, think about what you can do to increase your physical activity despite those limitations? If you need suggestions, ask me! Finally, don't feel overwhelmed. Did you know that the American Heart Association suggests that we exercise 30 minutes MOST days of the week and even states that the 30 minutes does not have to be consecutive to get the health benefits of exercise? In other words, if you take a couple of days off a week, cut yourself some slack! If you only have time to walk for 15 minutes in the morning -- do it! And then try to squeeze in 15 minutes more over your lunch break. Good luck in 2009! May this be a healthy and happy year for all of you!
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